Ah, Notchtop!

One of my very favorite places in the park: the trail into Odessa Lake gorge, which sits at the base of Notchtop Mountain.

Depending on how you hike it, getting here is at least a seven-mile extravaganza. We opted for the long way and turned it into a nearly nine-mile jaunt.

This hike never fails to deliver...up toward treeline through fragrant evergreens, a gorgeous gorge traverse (usually with snow on the trail), a descent to Odessa, and past two waterfalls. I'm a footsore but happy girl.

Look to the right of the snowfield to see the distinctive notch on Notchtop.